Rhetorical Analysis Grading rubric Criteria Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Developing Not Acceptable Score (x4) 5pts 4pts 3pts 2pts /100 Introduction creates interest. Thesis states the position and prepares the reader for the topic The conclusion ties to and supports the thesis. The thesis and purpose are somewhat vague and unclear OR only loosely related to the writing task. The conclusion is not effective and does not summarize main points. Introduces new ideas not considered in body paragraphs. Thesis is missing. Reader cannot determine the thesis and purpose OR the thesis has no relation to the writing assignment. The essay fails to offer a conclusion or tie back to the thesis. There is a well-developed Introduction and Conclusion introduction that gains the (Background information, thesis statement) attention of the reader. The thesis statement is clear and concise and articulates the purpose of the whole speech, as well as the writer’s point of view. The conclusion briefly summarizes the essay and stresses the importance of the thesis statement. No new ideas are introduced. Support/Reaso ning More than 5 examples are provided to support analysis. Supporting examples are concrete and detailed. The analysis is developed with an effective point of view. 5 examples are provided to support analysis. Draws relevant evidence to support analysis. Offers solid but less original reasoning. Assumptions are not always recognized or made explicit. 3 or more examples are provided to support analysis. Draws mostly relevant evidence to support analysis. Details tend to be too broad, not interpreted, irrelevant to the thesis, or inappropriately repetitive. Less than 3 examples are provided to support analysis. Evidence is irrelevant or does not support the thesis. Offers simplistics and undeveloped support for ideas. Thoroughly supports thesis and purpose. Logical Progression of ideas with a clear structure that enhances the thesis. Skillfully uses transitions or connecting words to provide meaningful connection between parts of the text. Organization supports the thesis and purpose. Logical progression of ideas are clear to support an analysis of the text. Transitions are present throughout the essay and are mostly appropriate. Organization is somewhat clear. The essay may have abrupt or illogical shifts and ineffective flow of ideas. Transitions may be present at times, but sentence structure may lack variety. The essay has limited structure and organization. The paragraph structure is incoherent and most sentences need revision. The quotes stand alone and lack introduction/ connection to support the analysis. Contains little to no transitions or connecting words. (Ideas, details in body paragraphs) Organization (structure and transitions) /20 /20 /20 Critical Analysis (logical reasoning & progression of ideas) Mechanics (spelling, punctuation, grammar, MLA format) Essay displays excellent understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts including correct use of terminology. Evidence from the text supports important points and provides a well thought out analysis of the text. Essay displays an understanding of the required readings and underlying concepts. Demonstrates clear and logical reasoning and includes correct use of terminology and proper citation(s). Essay repeats and summarizes basic, correct information, but does not link readings to evidence and does not consider alternative perspectives or connections between ideas. Demonstrates somewhat clear reasoning. Essay shows little or no evidence that reading of the speech was completed or understood. The essay demonstrates limited reasoning and is largely personal opinions with no substantiated support from the text. Analysis does not address the assignment. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are free from errors. Uses appropriate MLA formatting. May contain minor spelling and grammatical errors that do not interfere with comprehension. Uses MLA formatting as needed. The essay is developing and may contain multiple spelling and grammatical errors. Adheres to very little MLA formatting. The essay contains multiple errors in standard English mechanics, and is difficult to read. MLA formatting is not apparent. /20 /20